Preface to the Third Edition

Understanding Modern Warfare has established itself as a leading text in professional military education and undergraduate teaching. This third edition has been revised throughout to reflect dramatic changes during the past decade. Introducing three brand new chapters, this updated volume provides in-depth analysis of the most pertinent issues of the 2020s and beyond, including cyber warfare, information activities, hybrid and grey zone warfare, multi-domain operations and recent conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria. It also includes a range of features to maximise its value as a learning tool: a structure designed to guide students through key strategic principles; key questions and annotated reading guides for deeper understanding; text boxes highlighting critical thinkers and operational concepts; and a glossary explaining key terms. Providing debate driven analysis that encourages students to develop a balanced perspective, Understanding Modern Warfare remains essential reading both for officers and for students of international relations more broadly.